urning round on your right is an unique monument to the memory of Sir Francis Vere, a gentleman of the first reputation, both for learning and arms, “one of the most accomplished soldiers of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, having the command of the auxiliary troops in the Dutch service, nearly twenty years.” He died August 28, 1608, in the fifty-fourth year of his age. Loose armour is represented being supported by four armed knights.
On the back of General Wolfe’s monument is a tablet to the memory of Sir Humphrey Davy, Bart., distinguished throughout the world “by his discoveries in chemical science; President of the Royal Society; Member of the National Institute of France. Born 17th December, 1778, at Penzance. Died 29th May, 1829, at Geneva, where his remains are interred.”
A monument is here erected, by the East India Company, as a grateful testimony to the value and eminent services of Captain Edward Cooke, Commander of his Majesty’s ship Sybille, who on the 1st of March, 1799, after a long and well-contested engagement, captured La Forte, a French frigate of very superior force, in the Bay of Bengal; an event not more splendid in its achievement, than important in its result to the British trade in India. He died in consequence of the severe wounds he received in this memorable action, on the 23rd of May, 1799, aged twenty-seven.—Bacon, sculptor.
The next is a monument to the memory of Sir George Holles, nephew of Sir Francis Vere, and a Major-General under him. He died May, 1626, aged fifty. This monument was erected by John, Earl of Clare.—Nicholas Stone, sculptor.
Adjoining is a monument to the memory of Sir George Pocock, K.B., Admiral of the Blue, who distinguished himself at the taking of Geriah, and in leading the attack at the reduction of Chandernagore; afterwards, with an inferior force, he defeated the French Fleet under M. D’Ache in three several engagements; returning from his successful career in the East, he was appointed to command the fleet upon the expedition against the Havannah, by his united efforts in the conquest of which, he added fresh laurels to his own brow, and a valuable possession to this kingdom. A life so honourable to himself, and so endeared to his friends and his family, was happily extended to the age of eighty-six, and resigned, in the year 1793, with the same tranquil and serene mind which peculiarly marked and adorned the whole course of it.—Bacon, sculptor.
A monument to the memory of Joseph Gascoigne Nightingale, and his Lady. The lady is represented expiring in the arms of her husband; beneath, slyly creeping from a tomb, the King of Terrors presents his grim visage, pointing his unerring dart to the dying figure, at which sight the husband, suddenly struck with astonishment, horror, and despair, seems to clasp her to his bosom to defend her from the fatal stroke. Inscription:—“Here rest the ashes of Joseph Gascoigne Nightingale, of Mamhead, in the county of Devon, Esq., who died July 20, 1752, aged fifty-six; and of Lady Elizabeth, his wife, daughter and co-heiress of Washington, Earl of Ferrars, who died August 17, 1734, aged twenty-seven. Their only son, Washington Gascoigne Nightingale, Esq., in memory of their virtues, did by his last will, order this monument to be erected.”—Roubiliac.
Next to this is a monument of note, sacred to the memory of Sarah, Duchess of Somerset, relict of John Seymour, Duke of Somerset, daughter of Sir Edward Alston, Knt. On the base of this monument are two charity boys, one on each side, bewailing the death of their benefactress, who is represented in a modern dress, resting upon her arm, under a canopy of state, and looking earnestly up at a group of cherubims issuing from the clouds above her. Underneath is a Latin inscription to this effect:—“Here lies the late illustrious Duchess of Somerset, celebrated for charity and benevolence, who erected a grammar school for boys at Tottenham, in Middlesex, enlarged the income of the Green-coat Hospital at Westminster, largely endowed Brazenose College, in Oxford, and St. John’s, in Cambridge, for the education and instruction of youth in good piety and literature. She was likewise an encourager of trade and handicrafts, and had a tender regard to old age, by erecting an almshouse at Froxfield, in Wiltshire, for thirty widows. She was very charitable to the poor of St. Margaret’s, Westminster, where she instituted a lecture, and gave many stately ornaments to the Church.” She died October 25, 1692.
Against the east wall is a tablet erected to the memory of Ann, wife of James Kirton, of Castle Carey, Somersetshire, Gent. She died September 7, 1603.